1000cc motorcycles are now considered to be the best motorcycles available and are perfectly adapted for racing riders. In general, they are for riders who want a very high performance advanced motorcycle.
In addition, there are a lot of 1000cc motorcycles in the market today and it can be very confusing to choose one, especially because 1000cc motorcycles are a very expensive investment.
If you want to know the best 1000cc model suitable for you, then keep reading because that is all this article is all about to show you the 10 best 1000cc motorcycles in the market.
But before I start, it is important to note that the models are not listed based on their best performance. For example, the KTM 1190 RC8 R model being mentioned last does not mean it has the least performance. Each model has its own suitability. No model is better than the other and everyone has what suits him and what he connects to and loves more.
Here is the 10 best 1000cc motorcycle in the world (list)
| 1. Yamaha YZF-R1 | $17,399 |
| 2. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade | $13,399 |
| 3. BMW S1000RR | $16,995 to $22,000 |
| 4. Kawasaki Z1000 | £5,000 – £10,000 |
| 5. Ducati 1198S | $19,995 to $22,000 |
| 6. Suzuki GSX-R1000 | $14,999 to $16,999 |
| 7. MV Agusta F4 RR | $26,498 |
| 8. Kawasaki ZX-10R | $17,772 |
| 9. Triumph Daytona 955i | $4,000 to $5,500 |
| 10. KTM 1190 RC8 R | $20,000 |
1. Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha YZF-R1 is my favorite motorcycle on the list and is considered to be one of the most popular motorcycles in the world. In my opinion, it is the best 1000cc model in the market and it provides everything an advanced rider needs, plus it offers amazing performance. So, it is definitely worth it for anyone who loves Yamaha.
Plus, what I personally liked most about the YZF-R1 is that Yamaha still continues to produce and add more innovations and improvements every year which is what makes Yamaha ahead of other companies that stop investing in their models. Yamaha YZF-R1 is a very good 1000cc motorcycle and it continues to compete as the best 10000cc model in the market.
The price of the YZF-R1
The Yamaha YZF-R1 is sold at a very low price of about $17,399 which is what makes it one of the most affordable of all 1000cc motorcycles, especially with all the great performance it gives.
Notable features & why the YZF-R1 is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Powerful engine – The Yamaha YZF-R1 engine is a 998cc, liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder DOHC, 16 valves and can deliver a power level of up to 12,500 rpm and torque of over 10,000. The maximum speed it can reach is 176.7 mph (284.4 km/h), which is a very satisfying speed.
- Amazing and beautiful design – What made me love the YZF-R1 is that it is beautiful and has an impressive design, while in my opinion, Yamaha design it in the best way, and it is available in the white, blue or red.
- Can fit any rider at any height – Another advantage the Yamaha YZF-R1 has is that it can fit all riders of any height. Its seat height is 33.7 inches and weighs 448 pounds (203 kilos) and can still fit any height, from the lowest to the highest.
My opinion about the YZF-R1
In my opinion, the Yamaha YZF-R1 is definitely one of the best and most affordable model you can get in the 1000cc market and be sure it will give you amazing performance. But with that, I would recommend you buy the YZF-R1 if you are a fan and love Yamaha and like its design, because there are those who really like its design and there are those who don’t. So, I would choose it not by its performance but by his design.
2. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
The Honda CBR1000RR is a very classic electronic motorcycle sold very cheap and it honestly offers a good performance relative to its price. The CBR1000RR is not an amazing model that offers crazy features, but it still provides good enough performance.
It is important to note that the CBR1000RR is not the best 1000cc model in the market, but it is more for those who want to get a 1000cc motorcycle at a relatively low price compared to its competitors.
The price of the CBR1000RR
The Honda CBR1000RR is sold for $13,399, which is very cheap compare to its competitors and it offers very good performance than its price. I personally would recommend you buy it at that price and then add another $1,000 to improve it and make it much better.
Notable features & why the CBR1000RR is a good 1000 cc motorcycle
- Excellent engine – The CBR1000RR has an excellent 998cc liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder four-stroke engine which reaches 13,000rpm. Its maximum speed (296 km) is 185 mph and operates at 6 speeds.
- Wide length and can provide space for 2 riders – The biggest advantage of the CBR1000RR is that it is very long and tall and can provide enough space for two riders, which is a huge advantage because most motorcycles have no room for that. So, if you are the type that wants to ride with another rider, this a big advantage for you.
- Excellent brake system – I was very surprised by the CBR1000RR brake system that is very stable, between the twinkle of an eye, you stop in corners or slow down in turns.
My opinion about the CBR1000RR
In my opinion, the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is definitely a great motorcycle for those who want a Honda with a 1000cc engine at a low price and ready to get a bit less performance than the rest of its competitors.
It is also important to note that the CBR1000RR is an electronic model, so take into account that it will take you time to know the electronics and how to use it. Being an electronic model, some may like it and some may not, so take note of that.
3. BMW S1000RR
The BMW S1000RR is a very special motorcycle and one of the best and most impressive I have personally seen. It can even compete as the best on this list as it shows amazing performance and has all the features a rider needs. In addition, just like Yamaha, BMW continues to invest and upgrade the S1000RR every year, so that’s a big advantage.
The price of the BMW S1000RR
You can buy the BMW S1000RR in the price range of $16,995 to $22,000. BMW offers a few small improvements which make the price increase, and in general, I think this price is excellent and pays off for anyone who wants a powerful motorcycle and, of course, willing to invest in the price.
Notable features & why the S1000RR is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Powerful 1000cc engine – The BMW S1000RR has a very powerful 999cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled engine with a power output of 206 throttles at 14,000 rpm and can reach a maximum speed of up to 320 km/hr (200 mph), which is very satisfying. The engine of the S1000RR is also definitely one of the best and most advanced in the 1000cc motorcycle market.
- Super lightweight – What impressed me the most is the super lightweight of the BMW S1000RR. It weighs only about 434 pounds (196 kilos) that counts as the lightest weight not only in the 1000cc motorcycle but, in general, one of the lightest weights I have ever seen, which gives a huge advantage to S1000RR. What impressed me most is that every year, BMW manages to make it lighter in weight; for example, the 2020 model was 25 pounds lighter from the 2019 model, which is crazy and what simply makes the S1000RR lighter and faster each year.
- Special and Impressive Design – What I really liked is the very special and beautiful design of the BMW S1000RR that incorporates 3 colors blue, red and white which looks very good. In addition, BMW also offers several versions, and of course, beautiful design, so I’m sure you will like the design of The S1000RR.
My opinion about the BMW S1000RR
In my opinion, the BMW S1000RR is definitely a very impressive motorcycle overall, and it really offers everything that a rider needs, and believe me, you won’t be disappointed with it. But unfortunately, BMW has limited versions in the US, so it’s important that you hurry to buy it so that you don’t miss it because their versions are hijacked very quickly.
4. Kawasaki Z1000 (for street riding and crowded places)
If so far, I have been showing you very powerful 1000cc motorcycles that are better and even crazy for racing, then it is time to show you one of the best 1000cc motorcycles for road and street riding, which is the Kawasaki Z1000 that is by far the best 1000cc motorcycle for city riding and in crowded places.
It is important to note that the Kawasaki Z1000 may not have a crazy performance as its other competitors on this list, but this is not a disadvantage to it, in fact, it is even an advantage because it is easier to control when riding and can even handle riding much better on all types of roads more than other motorcycles on the list. So, it is important that you do not consider performance as major criteria when choosing this motorcycle because it is designed for city and street riding.
The price of the Kawasaki Z1000
You can buy the Kawasaki Z1000 for a price between £5,000 – £10,000. I personally did not find its price in dollars due to the fact that it is less common in the United States or Europe but more in countries like India or Africa.
Notable features & why the Z1000 is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Excellent Street Riding – The Z1000 has a 1043cc 4-stroke 4-cylinder engine that delivers 11.3/7300 torque and 142 kW/10,000 power which is perfect for city and crowded driving and is deliberately not super powerful to allow excellent city and street control. So, take the less powerful feature of this motor as an advantage and not a disadvantage, especially if you want a motorcycle for riding on the street.
- Very comfortable to ride – The Kawasaki Z1000 is very comfortable to ride and provides plenty of space and width for another rider to ride with you. In addition, you can even mount heavy bags or any equipment you want because of its width while still being comfortable, which is a very big advantage and very important while riding on the street. So, be sure that the Z1000 will provide you excellent comfort.
- Heavy but respond well and quick– It’s important for you to note that the Z1000 weighs 220kg (485 pounds), which is pretty heavy. But you’ll be surprised you won’t feel the heaviness when riding because it still manages to be quick and agile and respond great to any failure. So, do not let the heavyweight confuse you; Kawasaki deliberately did not make it low weight because it is intended for the street and not for racing.
My opinion about the Kawasaki Z1000
In my opinion, the Kawasaki Z1000 is the perfect motorcycle for anyone who wants a good motorcycle for city and street riding. I personally would recommend it for people who live in countries where there is a lot of traffic jams, crowding, and densities, such as India, African countries, or even China.
It is also important to note that if you choose any other motorcycle that is more powerful and advanced than the Z1000, you will see that you will have a very hard time riding in crowded places and on the street because it is so fast and powerful and you will have a hard time controlling it. So, it is a very big advantage that the Z1000 is not as powerful as other 1000cc motorcycles.
5. Ducati 1198S
The Ducati 1198S is a super powerful and impressive 1000cc motorcycle that is very reminiscent of the Yamaha and BMW models, and in my opinion, it is much better than them. It is very expensive and would only be recommended for those who really want a very powerful motorcycle for competitive racing and not just for road riding because it is a very big financial investment.
The Price of the Ducati 1198S
You can buy the Ducati 1198S at a crazy price of $19,995 to $22,000 which is definitely very expensive, but believe me, it’s worth it, not just because Ducati is a very reputable and prestigious company offering its models at very high prices. So, you will really love the 1198S and Ducati, and if you are willing to invest the money, it is definitely worth it.
Notable features & why the Ducati 1198S is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Monstrous engine – The 1198S, in my opinion, has the most powerful engine compared to others on the list. It has an engine of 1198cc 4-stroke V-twin, Desmodromic cam that delivers 9,750 rpm and 7,750 rpm while its maximum speed is up to 190 mph (118 km). Also, the power this engine manages to create is just amazing and I don’t even know a 1000cc motorcycles that will get close to its level. Even though it is considered a relatively old model, I don’t see in the next few years a model that can get close to the performance this engine is capable of.
- Upscale and Impressive Design – The Ducati 1198S presents a very beautiful and expensive design and it only comes in a bright red color which is super impressive. Beyond that, its amazing construction materials is very impressive and makes the 1198S feel very upscale that everyone who touches it will feel it.
- Very light in weight – I have never seen a 1000cc motorcycle that is as light as the 1198S while weighing only 169 kilos (373 pounds). I was also shocked to see this weight, which gives it so much fun to ride with, and of course, adds to its speed, acceleration, and even comfort when riding. So, it’s a huge advantage because none of its competitors have such a light weight.
My opinion about the Ducati 1198S
In my opinion, the Ducati 1198S is definitely an impressive motorcycle for racing and I would recommend it to only professional riders who compete in very prestigious races at a very high level because it costs very high and is only suitable for those who want a motorcycle for racing, not for street or fun riding because it is very expensive.
6. Suzuki GSX-R1000
After many years of Suzuki not launching a new motorcycle, they finally came up with the GSX-R1000 that has all the newest technologies which will surely stay relevant in the sports motorcycle market for many more years.
In addition, I was very surprised by the performance of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 compared to its price. It offers much better performance than its price compared to other models on the list, which surprised me a lot. In my opinion, it gives much more than the price it offers.
The price of the GSX-R1000
In general, there are 2 different versions of the GSX-R1000:
For the basic model, it is sold for $14,999, and for the more advanced model, it offers slightly more improvements than the basic model and sold for $16,999.
For me, the two options are quite lucrative. I will recommend the basic model to those who think it is enough for them to get the basic model and have no problem with it, and for the advanced model, I would recommend it for those who want the most advanced model and willing to invest the extra $2,000 to get a more powerful motorcycle.
Notable features & why the GSX-R1000 is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Powerful engine – The GSX-R1000 has a very powerful 999cc 4-stroke engine that delivers excellent power of 199 horsepower at 13,200 rpm while its maximum speed is 173 mph (278 km/h) which is very satisfying for racing and I am also very impressed with it.
- Great Weight – I really liked that the weight of the GSX-R1000, it is not too heavy and not too light — it has a weight of about 443 pounds (200 kilos) which means that it is suitable for any average rider.
My opinion about the GSX-R1000
In my opinion, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is definitely a very upgraded sign of Suzuki and it can fit any racing rider looking for an advanced and good motorcycle that will cost relatively cheap than its competitors.
7. MV Agusta F4 RR
The MV Agusta F4 RR may look like a fairly simple motorcycle for you at first, but do not let that really confuse you because the MV Agusta F4 RR is a very powerful machine and is the perfect combination of performance and design. It is designed for track and race riding.
Plus there are some who will say that the MV Agusta F4 RR has the best engine among the 1000cc engines. I do not negate this because it is really a crazy model sold at a super high price.
The price of the MV Agusta F4 RR
The MV Agusta F4 RR is sold at a very high price of about $26,498 which is a lot more expensive than its other competitors while at this point, I personally think it is too expensive, so I would recommend you look for its used which is sold at much lower prices. Therefore, used can be a great option too.
Notable features & why the MV Agusta F4 RR is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Powerful engine – The MV Agusta F4 RR has a 998cc engine that gives an incredible power of 200.8 horsepower at 13,600 rpm that works with 6 speeds. It is suitable for racing and is super impressive compared to all its major competitors, not just among 1000cc engines but even among the best models in the world.
- Futuristic and advanced look – In my opinion, the biggest reason to buy the MV Agusta F4 is because of its amazing super design that is reminiscent of motorcycles that will come in a few decades. I was just so shocked to see its appearance and I personally do not see another model that looks very close to the MV Agusta F4 RR.
- Dimensions that fit low riders – If you are a tall rider, this may disappoint you because the dimensions of the MV Agusta F4 RR is suitable for lower riders while weighing only 418 pounds (190 kilos). Its seat height is 32.68 inches, with a total width of 29.51 inches.
My opinion about the MV Agusta F4 RR
In my opinion, the MV Agusta F4 RR is by far an amazing motorcycle that provides you with the perfect combination of very advanced performance and amazing look while I would recommend it to only very advanced riders who have several years of riding experience and are willing to invest in an expensive motorcycle. It is important to invest in it only if you have the money and not because it is such a beautiful and strong motorcycle because $26,498 is a huge amount of money. I would even advise you to do a test drive before you buy it, whether new or used, so that there won’t be any problem.
8. Kawasaki ZX-10R
If the Kawasaki Z1000 wasn’t enough for you, then you should get the Kawasaki ZX-10R, which is a much more advanced model suitable for racing and is highly recommended for Kawasaki lovers.
The price of the ZX-10R
The Kawasaki Z-10R is sold for $17,772, which is a good price but I would even advise you to buy its used because it is sold very cheap and lots of people are willing to sell it used, so it is worth considering the used option.
Notable features & why the ZX-10R is a good 1000cc motorcycle
- Excellent engine – The Kawasaki ZX-10R has an excellent 998cc in-line four-stroke engine that manages to produce 12,200 rpm with 11,000 and 200 hp torque and works smoothly. I think its engine is the smoothest engine of all models on the list while also making less noise, which is where Kawasaki did really well.
- Good Braking System – The Kawasaki ZX-10R braking system is excellent and of the type 330mm semi-floating discs that do a very good job of breaking which is super important for your safety.
- Aggressive Design – The ZX-10R has a quite surprising design and comes in black and green color which is very intimidating and may sound strange to some of you, but the truth is that it is very dominant and aggressive.
My opinion about the ZX-10R
In my opinion, the Kawasaki ZX-10R is definitely a great motorcycle that can fit anyone who wants a Kawasaki 1000cc model except the Z1000.
9. Triumph Daytona 955i
I added the Triumph Daytona 955i to the list for just one reason which is because of the very low price it is sold for. Its low price will allow people who do not have enough money to buy very advanced 1000cc motorcycles in the market to buy a model that has a 1000cc engine and can provide excellent value against its price.
It is important to note that the Triumph Daytona 955i is really not a motorcycle designed for racing, but it is very satisfying for those who want a motorcycle for riding in the city and even for fun.
The price of the Triumph Daytona 955i
The Triumph Daytona 955i is sold at a very low price of just between $4,000 to $5,500, which is nothing for a 1000cc motorcycle and I was also shocked to see its low price. Believe me, it performs much better compared to its low price.
Notable features & why the Triumph Daytona 955i is a good 1000cc motorcycle
The truth is that there is nothing more to say about the Triumph Daytona 955i. The Triumph Daytona 955i is a basic DIY model that simply presents a basic design; it has a good 4-stroke engine that manages to produce 10,700 rpm and a torque of 8,700 rpm, and also has a quite light weight of just 188 kilos (414 Pounds) which is very nice. As you can see, it has some pretty basic and good features but not amazing performance.
My opinion about the Triumph Daytona 955i
In my opinion, the Triumph Daytona 955i can be a great motorcycle for those who want a 1000cc engine at a very low price and those who want a simple motorcycle for fun during their spare time. It can also be great for people who want a good motorcycle for jobs like moving equipment or shipping.
10. KTM 1190 RC8 R
If you don’t know, I always keep the best for the end, and this time, I chose to mention the KTM 1190 RC8 R last, which is considered to be the best motorcycle model that KMT has ever released and is just perfect, with KMT being the best racing company.
Know that the KTM 1190 RC8 R being in 10th place doesn’t mean anything. It can still compete as the best model on the list and is one of the most powerful motorcycles for racing.
The price of the KTM 1190 RC8 R
You can buy the KTM 1190 RC8 R at a high price of $20,000 which I think is worth every dollar, especially for all the amazing performance it presents.
Notable features & why it is a good 1000 cc motorcycle
- Amazing Engine – The KTM 1190 RC8 R has one of the best V2 engines in the world. It simply has a crazy 2-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, spark-ignition, 75°C, liquid-cooled engine that manages to create a power of 129 kW (173 kW) and a maximum speed of up to 190 km/h (304 mph).
- Convenience – The KTM 1190 RC8 R is by far the most comfortable 1000cc motorcycle in my opinion and is just perfect because you can ride it for hours without feeling any pain. Also, the best thing about it is that it is customizable which means you can change and adjust it to any size of yours which is amazing in my opinion and there is no other model on the list that is customizable.
- Very light in weight – The KTM 1190 RC8 R weighs just 405 pounds (184 kilos) which is very light and gives even more comfort when riding, and in general, it is the most fun to ride among the lightweight motorcycles.
My opinion about the KTM 1190 RC8 R
In my opinion, the KTM 1190 RC8 R is definitely one of the most powerful 1000cc motorcycles for racing and it is worth every dollar you spend on it as it costs $20,000. It is worth it, especially because of its very impressive performance and also because it is customizable which is what other motorcycles did not have. So, I think the 1190 RC8 R is perfect for racing riders who want to invest in a KMT motorcycle.
Why should you go for 1000cc motorcycle & who is 1000cc motorcycle meant for?
The 1000cc motorcycles are definitely the most advanced in the market and they are exclusively designed for experienced and advanced riders who compete in races. However, if you are a beginner who has no experience, it would be very dangerous for you to start riding 1000cc engines because they are super fast and you will have a very difficult time controlling them. If you are a beginner, you will need to start with smaller engines first.
Plus 1000cc motorcycles are very expensive, so you only invest in them if you have the money because all the cheapest 10000cc models start at prices over $10,000. So, it’s important to buy one only if you really want and if you have the money.
Lastly, if you want to know more about why 1000cc motorcycles are very dangerous for beginners, I would highly recommend you click here to view the post I wrote on everything about 1000cc engines.
What to look for when buying 1000cc motorcycles
The two most important things you need to check first before buying a 1000cc motorcycle is the engine and the weight of the model. Know that the lighter the weight, the more its ability to speed. And of course, the engine is the heart and most important part of the motorcycle while all engines of 1000cc motorcycle on the list are powerful and good.
For any questions, you may have or opinion on the article, feel free to write us a comment, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Thanks for reading, until the next post.